Beginner's Guide to the Subway

The subway is the largest part of Boston’s public transit system, with more than 700,000 trips each weekday. It is often referred to simply as the T (the “T” from MBTA—the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority).

The trains—or trolleys, as they’re sometimes called here—connect downtown Boston to communities within and near the city.

In this guide, we’ll talk about the basics of the system, and we’ll explore each line and where it can take you. Sit back and enjoy the scenery—each line runs at least partially above ground!

Getting to Know the Subway

Wherever you’re going in Greater Boston, the T can help get you there. Here are some basics of the subway.

Did you know? The country’s very first subway tunnels are still in use today under Boston Common. The Tremont Street subway opened in 1897 as North America’s first subway tunnel. It’s still in use today, connecting Government Center, Park Street, and Boylston stations.

On our website: Simply click on any line, and select “schedules from here” under any station. From there, you can see how frequently the train is scheduled to depart, as well as train locations in real time.

At most MBTA subway stops, you'll use your CharlieCard or CharlieTicket at a fare gate to access the train platform. At street-level stops on the Green Line and Mattapan Trolley, you’ll pay your fare at the onboard fare box.

Did you know? The T has both trains and trolleys. What’s the difference? Trains are used on heavy rail systems (like the Blue, Red, and Orange lines), and trolleys are used on light rail systems (like the Green Line and the Mattapan Trolley).

At stations, there are countdown clocks that offer estimated train and trolley arrival times. Aboveground stops may not have these, but real-time information is always available on our website or your preferred trip-planning app.

There are also a variety of smartphone apps to help you plan trips on the MBTA.

The MBTA-endorsed Transit App is the best way to plan your trips around Boston. Use the app to find the nearest subway stop, see when the next train is arriving, and find out how long your commute will be.

The Green Line

The Green Line serves more than 180,000 customers each weekday. The light rail line runs south from Cambridge into Boston, where it branches into the E Line, to Heath Street, from Copley. Past Kenmore to points west of the city, it splits into the:

The Red Line

The Red Line serves more than 260,000 customers each weekday. The heavy rail line runs south from Cambridge into Boston and South Boston, and branches into 2 sections south of JFK/UMass. The Braintree branch travels through Quincy (on the South Shore), and the Ashmont branch travels through Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood. From Ashmont, the Mattapan Trolley offers light rail service to Milton.

The Red Line got its name because it travels through Harvard University, home of the Crimson.

Did you know? The Red Line fleet will be entirely replaced with all-new trains by 2023, and the fleet size will increase from 218 cars to 252.

Customers can transfer to the Mattapan Trolley at Ashmont. If paying with a CharlieTicket or CharlieCard, you can make 1 transfer for free within 2 hours of your first payment. No transfers are available when using cash.

The trains along this route are from the Presidential Conference Car (PCC) fleet, built in 1945-46. Riding the 2.5-mile line is like taking a trip back in time.

Did you know? The MBTA’s light rail system, including the Mattapan Trolley and the Green Line, ranks 2nd in ridership nationwide.

Most, but not all, subway stations are accessible to people with disabilities. Some above-ground trolley stops are also accessible.

You can check station accessibility before your trip by visiting our list of Subway stations. Stations marked with the International Symbol of Accessibility (ISA or "wheelchair symbol") are accessible to people with disabilities.